Syringe bandoleer with control feature

ABSTRACT

A bandolier of syringes for use in an automated syringe handling system is provided. The automated syringe handling system generally receives syringes and fills the syringe with a substance, such as a medicament. In one exemplary embodiment, the syringe handling system is a system that disperses one or more medicaments into the syringes in an automated manner. The bandolier includes a web, e.g., a strip of transparent material partially encapsulating bodies of syringes that are bound to the web at a prescribed interval. The bandolier includes a feature disposed within the prescribed interval and between the syringes with the feature being different from the surrounding web.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The present invention relates generally to medical equipment, andmore particularly, to unit dose, disposable syringes that are used forthe delivery of fluids into an object, such as a human body or ananimal's body.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] Disposable syringes are in widespread use for a number ofdifferent types of applications. For example, syringes are used not onlyto withdraw a fluid (e.g., blood) from a patient but also to administera medicament to a patient. In the latter, a cap or the like is removedfrom the syringe and a unit does of the medicament is carefully measuredand then injected or otherwise disposed within the syringe.

[0003] As technology advances, more and more sophisticated, automatedsystems are being developed for preparing and delivering medicaments byintegrating a number of different stations, with one or more specifictasks being performed at each station. For example, one type ofexemplary automated system operates as a syringe filling apparatus thatreceives user inputted information, such as the type of medicament, thevolume of the medicament and any mixing instructions, etc. The systemthen uses this inputted information to disperse the correct medicamentinto the syringe up to the inputted volume.

[0004] In some instances, the medicament that is to be delivered to thepatient includes more than one pharmaceutical substance. For example,the medicament can be a mixture of several components, such as severalpharmaceutical substances.

[0005] By automating the medicament preparation process, increasedproduction and efficiency are achieved. This results in reducedproduction costs and also permits the system to operate over any timeperiod of a given day with only limited operator intervention for manualinspection to ensure proper operation is being achieved. Such a systemfinds particular utility in settings, such as large hospitals, includinga large number of doses of medicaments have to be prepared daily.Traditionally, these doses have been prepared manually in what is anexacting but tedious responsibility for a highly skilled staff. In orderto be valuable, automated systems must maintain the exacting standardsset by medical regulatory bodies, while at the same time simplifying theoverall process and reducing the time necessary for preparing themedicaments.

[0006] Because syringes are often used as the carrier means fortransporting and delivering the medicament to the patient, it isadvantageous for these automated systems to be tailored to acceptsyringes. There are a vast number of different types of syringes thatare commercially available and some of those available may be improperfor use with a given type of automated system. For example, the shapeand/or dimensions of the syringe may prevent one syringe type from beingused in a given automated system and can even cause damage due tojamming of the syringes as they are fed into the automated system.

[0007] What is needed in the art and has heretofore not been availableis a system and method for automatically feeding a number of syringesinto the automated system with the syringes being monitored andcontrolled so that only the proper syringe type is used and misalignmentof the syringes is eliminated.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0008] A bandolier of syringes for use in an automated syringe handlingsystem is provided. The automated syringe handling system generallyreceives syringes and fills each syringe with a substance, such as amedicament. In one exemplary embodiment, the syringe handling system isa system that disperses one or more medicaments into the syringes in anautomated manner.

[0009] According to one aspect of the present invention, a bandolierincludes a web, e.g., a strip of transparent material, partiallyencapsulating bodies of syringes that are bound to the web at aprescribed interval. The bandolier includes a control feature disposedwithin the prescribed interval and between the syringes with the controlfeature being different from the surrounding web.

[0010] In accordance with another aspect of the invention, the controlfeature is used in combination with a detection system that isconfigured to detect the control feature. By incorporating the controlfeature into the bandolier structure, sufficient advance notification isprovided indicating that the syringe bandolier is being misfed since thebandolier will not be advanced when the detection system fails toproperly sense the control feature. A control system in accordance withthis aspect of the invention includes an indexer configured to advance asyringe through the automated syringe handling system, a bandolier ofsyringes supplying syringes to the indexer, and a detection systemincluding a detector positioned to detect the control feature on thebandolier and perform a prescribed operation in response to thedetection or non-detection of the control feature.

[0011] In yet a further aspect of the invention, the use of the controlfeature can also ensure that only syringes of the correct type are usedwith the automated syringe handling system.

[0012] Further aspects and features of the exemplary syringe bandolierdisclosed herein can be appreciated from the appended Figures andaccompanying written description.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0013]FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of an automated system fordispersing a medicament;

[0014]FIG. 2 is a side elevational view of a syringe bandolier accordingto one embodiment;

[0015]FIG. 3 is a top plan view of the syringe bandolier of FIG. 2;

[0016]FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the syringe bandolier of FIG. 1used in combination with a detection mechanism;

[0017]FIG. 5 is a side elevational view of a syringe bandolier accordingto another embodiment;

[0018]FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a syringe bandolier and adetection mechanism of another embodiment; and

[0019]FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a syringe bandolier and adetection mechanism of yet another embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF A PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

[0020]FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating one exemplary automatedsystem, generally indicated at 10, for the preparation of a medicament.The automated system 10 is divided into a number of stations where aspecific task is performed based on the automated system 10 receivinguser input instructions, processing these instructions and thenpreparing unit doses of one or more medicaments in accordance with theinstructions. The automated system 10 includes a first station 20 wheremedicaments and other substances used in the preparation process arestored. As used herein, the term “medicament” refers to a medicinalpreparation for administration to a patient. The medicament can includeone or more pharmaceutical substances and can also includenon-pharmaceutical substances, such as a diluent, etc. Thus, the firststation 20 functions as a storage unit for storing one or medicaments,etc. under proper storage conditions. Typically, medicaments and thelike are stored in sealed containers, such as vials, that are labeled toclearly indicate the contents of each vial.

[0021] A second station 30 is a syringe storage station 130 that housesand stores a number of syringes. For example, up to 500 syringes or morecan be disposed in the second station 30 for storage and later use. Thestation 30 can be in the form of a bin or the like or any other type ofstructure than can hold a number of syringes.

[0022] The system 10 also includes a rotary apparatus 40 for advancingitems to and from various stations of the system 10. A number of thestations are arranged circumferentially around the rotary apparatus 40so that when an item is supported on, coupled to, or engaged by therotary apparatus 40 at a first location and the rotary apparatus 40 isthen advanced, the item is rotated to a next station where a differentaction occurs.

[0023] One exemplary type of rotary apparatus 40 is a multiple stationcam-indexing dial that is adapted to perform material handlingoperations. The indexer is configured to have multiple stationspositioned thereabout with individual nests for each station position.One syringe is held within one nest using any number of suitabletechniques, including opposing spring-loaded fingers that act to clampthe syringe in its respective nest. The indexer permits the rotaryapparatus 40 to be advanced at specific intervals.

[0024] The system 10 also preferably includes a reading device (notshown) that is capable of reading a label disposed on the sealedcontainer containing the medicament. The label is read using any numberof suitable reader/scanner devices, such as a bar code reader, etc., soas to confirm that the proper medicament has been selected from thestorage unit of the first station 20. Multiple readers can be employedin the system at various locations to confirm the accuracy of the entireprocess. Once the system 10 confirms that the sealed container that hasbeen selected contains the proper medicament, a safety cap or the likeis removed from the sealed container. Preferably, the safety cap isremoved in a just-in-time for use manner on a deck of the automatedsystem 10.

[0025] The system 10 also preferably includes a station 50 for injectinga diluent into the medicament contained in the opened container and thensubsequently mixing the medicament and the diluent. At a station 60,syringes are loaded into one of the nests of the rotary apparatus 40.One syringe is loaded into one nest of the rotary apparatus 40 in whichthe syringe is securely held in place. The system 10 preferably includesadditional mechanisms for preparing the syringe for use, such asremoving a tip cap and extending a plunger of the syringe. After thesyringe is ready for use, the medicament (with diluent) is withdrawnfrom the medicament's container and is then disposed into the syringe atstation 65. For example, a cannula can be inserted into the sealedcontainer and the mixed medicament then aspirated into a cannula set.The cannula is then withdrawn from the container and positioned usingthe rotary apparatus 40 in line with (above, below, etc.) the syringe.The unit dose of the medicament is then delivered to the syringe, aswell as additional diluent if necessary or desired. The tip cap is thenplaced back on the syringe. Another station 70 prints and applies alabel to the syringe and one of the readers can be used to verify thatthis label is placed in a correct location and the printing thereon isreadable. Also, the reader can confirm that the label properlyidentifies the medicament that is contained in the syringe. The syringeis then unloaded from the rotary apparatus 40 at a station 80 anddelivered to a predetermined location, such as a new order bin, aconveyor, a sorting device, or a reject bin. The delivery of the syringecan be accomplished using a standard conveyor or other type ofapparatus.

[0026] By automating the entire process by using one or more roboticdevices having one or more arms for grasping objects and an index device(rotary device), the filling of syringes is done in a more costeffective and expedited manner. The robotic devices are part of acomputer based system that permits the user to simply enter a commandand this causes the robotic devices to be driven under program controlto any number of locations to perform prescribed tasks.

[0027] Referring now to FIGS. 2-3, a bandolier-type syringe assembly isillustrated and generally indicated at 100. The bandolier 100 can beused with an automated system, such as the previously-describedautomated system 10. The bandolier of syringes 100 includes a number ofsyringes 110 spaced a predetermined distance from one another andattached to one another into a strip 120. The syringes 110 aretraditional syringes with each having a body 112, a plunger 114 that isslidably received in the body 112, and a cap 116 at one end of the body112. The cap 116 is preferably of a removable type and covers a syringeport that is used to receive and/or discharge fluid. The bandolier 100is formed so that the syringes 110 are held in place and atpredetermined spaced intervals within the strip 120 by a first striplayer 130 and a second strip layer 140. The syringes 110 are disposedbetween the first and second strip layers 130, 140 with the layers 130,140 being form fitted so that they are disposed intimately over thecontours of the syringes 110. It will be appreciated that syringes, suchas syringes 110, come in a number of different shapes and sizes;however, the above-mentioned components thereof are typically common tomost syringe constructions.

[0028] A number of different materials can be used to form the first andsecond strip layers 130, 140 so long as the material is adapted toperform the desired function of securely holding the syringes 110 inspaced relationship so as to form the bandolier 100. For example, thefirst and second strip layers 130, 140 can be formed of a plasticmaterial. In this embodiment, the bandolier 100 can be assembled byfirst providing the first strip layer 130, then disposing the syringes110 at the desired predetermined intervals along the first strip layer130 before then disposing the second strip layer 140 over the syringes110 opposite the first strip layer 130. The assembled first strip layer130, syringes 110, and second strip layer 140 are then subjected to aprocess for causing the first and second strip layers 130, 140 to becomein intimate contact with each other in the intervals between thesyringes 110 and in intimate contact with the bodies of syringes 110.This results in the syringes 110 being securely held between the firstand second strip layers 130, 140 at the desired spaced intervaldistances. One type of process for achieving such a result involves theuse of a vacuum type system that evacuates the air between the first andsecond strip layers 130, 140 and causes the syringes 110 to be securedand held in the desired locations along the strip 120. It will also beappreciated that an adhesive or a heat weld can be used between thefirst and second strip layers 130, 140 for producing the final bandolier100.

[0029] The strip 120 is defined by an upper edge 121 and a lower edge123 with each syringe 110 extending beyond both the upper edge 121 andthe lower edge 123. More specifically, the first and second strip layers130, 140 are positioned in the region of the syringe body 112 so thatthe layers 130, 140 seal against this body portion 112 in the completedbandolier 100. Because the syringes 110 bound to the strip 120 arespaced along the strip at predetermined locations, prescribed intervals150 are formed between the syringes 110. In other words, between nextadjacent syringes 110, one prescribed interval 150 is formed andconsists of the first and second strip layers 130, 140 sealed to oneanother. Preferably, the length of each prescribed interval 150 is thesame along the length of the entire bandolier 100.

[0030] The bandolier 100 has a control feature, generally indicated at160, incorporated therein to ensure that the bandolier 100 is properlyaligned in a system that it is being used in, such as the automatedsystem 10, and also to ensure that the syringes 110 of the bandolier 100have specifications, e.g., dimensions, that fall within the acceptablespecifications of the system with which the bandolier 100 is being used.The control feature 160 is formed in each prescribed interval 150between next adjacent syringes 110. The control feature 160 isconfigured so that a detection mechanism, such as a reader or other typeof similar device, can detect the presence or absence, as well as thelocation of the control feature 160 within the prescribed interval 150.

[0031] Referring to FIGS. 2-4, in one embodiment, the control feature160 is an aperture formed in the prescribed interval 150 at a specificlocation thereof. For example, the control feature 160 can be in theform of an aperture having a square shape. The system 10 (FIG. 1)typically includes a laminar flow of air about the stations and rotaryapparatus 40 to ensure that the system 10 is clean and remains in aclean state during operation. In a first embodiment, a detectionmechanism 170 takes advantage of the presence of this laminar air flowby incorporating a nozzle 180 into the components providing the laminarair flow in the system 10. The nozzle 180 discharges a laminar air flowand if the bandolier 100 is precision fed into the system 10, properalignment of the control feature 160 results and hence the syringe 110can be ascertained by having the laminar air flow directed toward thebandolier 100 at the same height as the height that the control feature160 is formed in the prescribed interval 150. In other words, thelaminar air flow is in registration with the control feature 160 atselect times when the aperture 160 and the laminar air flow align withone another. When the control feature (aperture) 160 and the laminar airflow are not in alignment, the laminar air flow simply strikes the strip120 and does not pass therethrough.

[0032] In this embodiment, the detection mechanism 170 also includes asensor 190 that is disposed on the opposite side of the bandolier 100 ascompared to the nozzle 180. The sensor 190 is configured to detect thepresence of the laminar air flow when the aperture and laminar air floware in alignment. In this instance, the sensor 190 is of a type thatdetects the presence of the laminar air flow against the sensor 190itself and in one embodiment, the sensor 190 is a pressure sensor. Whenthe laminar air flow and the control feature 160 are in registration,the laminar air flow is permitted to flow cleanly through the apertureformed in the bandolier 100 and make contact with the sensor 190. Thesensor 190 detects the presence of the laminar air flow and signals acontroller (not shown) or the like of such detection. The controller isintegrated into the system 10 such that upon receiving this signal, thecontroller then signals other components, such as the rotary apparatus40, of the system 10 to advance the bandolier 100 a prescribed distance.It should be understood that the controller can respond to the pressureof the air flow through the control feature 160 or to a logical waveformresulting from the timing of air signals relative to periods without airsignals (e.g., due to indexing of the bandolier 100).

[0033] Once the bandolier 100 is advanced the prescribed distance,another of the apertures (control feature) 160 is then axially alignedwith the laminar air flow so long as the correct type of bandolier 100for the system 10 is in place, the syringe orientation (up or down) isproper, and also the alignment of the bandolier 100 is proper. Byintegrating the detection mechanism 170 with the indexing components ofthe system 10, the distance between the control features 160 correspondsto the distance that the bandolier 100 is advanced upon receiving thecontrol signal from the detection mechanism 170. Thus, the bandolier 100is continuously advanced because each time the detection mechanism 170is in recognition with the control feature 160, the bandolier 100 isadvanced a distance that corresponds to the next control feature 160being within a detection zone, thereby resulting in the detectionmechanism 170 detecting the next control feature 160 and signaling thesystem 10 to further advance the bandolier 100.

[0034] It will be appreciated that the system 10 can thus easily bedesigned so that the bandolier 100 is continuously fed into the system10, thereby permitting the system 10 to run continuously. The controlfeature 160 ensures proper alignment of the bandolier 100 and alsoensures that the proper type of bandolier 100 is being used as thesystem 10 is configured to stop advancing the bandolier 100 if thedetection mechanism 170 fails to read the control feature 160. Forexample, if the correct bandolier 100 is being used but the bandolier100 becomes misaligned as it is being fed, the control feature 160 willnot be in alignment with the nozzle 180 as the bandolier 100 isadvanced. The detection mechanism 170 is preferably configured so thatit will only advance the bandolier 100 a predetermined distance withoutdetecting the control feature 160. If the control feature 160 is notdetected over this predetermined distance, the detection mechanism 170signals the controller or the like of the system 10 to stop advancementof the bandolier 100. Preferably, an error message is generated at thesame time the bandolier 100 is stopped. Manual inspection is thenperformed to locate the problem.

[0035] Similarly, the system 10 is preferably a computer based systemthat receives user input. For example, the user can input the type ofbandolier 100 that is being used in the system 10. In other words, theuser is asked to input and identify the bandolier 100 by its commoncharacteristics. Syringes 110 are commonly identified by their volumecapacities and exemplary syringes that can be used with the system 10,include 12 ml (intravenous) and 25 ml (oral) syringes. The userpreferably inputs the type of syringe (i.e., whether it is a 12 ml, 25ml, or other size syringe) and then a microprocessor or the like willstore this information and relay this information to the controller anddetection mechanism 170. In order the have the detection mechanism 170differentiate between the various different types of bandoliers 100,several techniques can be used.

[0036] For example and according to one embodiment illustrated in FIG.5, there are multiple control features 160 formed in the prescribedinterval 150 according to a distinct pattern that is recognized by adetection mechanism (not shown). One exemplary pattern has one controlfeature 160 formed on top of another control feature 161 with the onecontrol feature 160 being in the location that is associated with asyringe of a first type (e.g., 12 ml) and with a syringe of a secondtype (e.g., 25 ml) when the one control feature 160 is read along withthe other control feature 161. The detection mechanism thus includes twonozzles and two sensors in this embodiment with one nozzle and onesensor for registration with the one control feature 160 and the othernozzle and sensor for registration with the other control feature 161.When the user inputs that the first type syringe bandolier 100 is beingused, only the one nozzle and the one sensor are actuated, while if theuser inputs that the second type syringe bandolier 100 is being used,both sets of nozzles and sensors are actuated. Some systems 10 may bespecially configured to handle one syringe type, yet the syringe storagestation 130 might be able to house multiple syringe sizes (e.g., smallersizes than intended). If the detection mechanism 170 does not detect thecontrol features 160, 161, the bandolier 100 is not advanced.

[0037] Referring to FIG. 4, an arrangement is shown in which the usercan input the type of syringe to be used by the system to thereby permitautomatic confirmation of alignment and bandolier type. In thisarrangement, the precise location of the control feature 160 within theprescribed interval 150 can also be used to differentiate one bandoliertype from another bandolier type. For example, the detection mechanism170 can be driven by software such that the nozzle 180 and the sensor190 are driven (see arrows A and B) to a prescribed coordinate locationthat corresponds to the type of bandolier 100 that is inputted into thesystem 10. This prescribed coordinate location is in registration withthe control feature 160 that corresponds to the bandolier type inputted.For example, if the user enters that a 25 ml bandolier 100 is beingused, the detection mechanism 170 (nozzle 180 and sensor 190) is movedto a first coordinate location (shown), while the detection mechanism170 is driven to a second coordinate location (not shown) if the userenters that a 12 ml bandolier 100 is being used.

[0038] It will be appreciated that only a 25 ml bandolier 100 is formedto have a control feature 160 that assumes the first coordinate locationat a point in time as the bandolier 100 is being advanced. Therefore, ifthe wrong type of bandolier 100 is used, proper registration between thecontrol feature 160 and the detection mechanism 170 does not result andadvancement of the bandolier 100 is stopped. Similarly, if the userenters that a 12 ml bandolier 100 is being used, the detection mechanism170 will only detect bandoliers that have the control feature 160 formedat the second coordinate location.

[0039] There are a number of different control features and detectionmechanisms that can be used with the bandoliers. Now referring to FIG.6, another exemplary control feature 200 is illustrated and generallyindicated at 200 along with a detection mechanism 210 that is configuredto be used with the control feature 200. In this embodiment, the controlfeature 200 is an optical feature that is used as part of an opticaldetection mechanism 210. As with the prior embodiment, the opticalfeature 200 is formed in the prescribed region 150 of the bandolier 100with next adjacent optical features 200 being spaced a prescribeddistance from one another.

[0040] Any conventional optical feature 200 that is suitable for use inthe present application can be used. The detection mechanism 210 is adetection mechanism that optically detects the presence of the opticalfeature 200 when the optical feature 200 is in proper registration withan optical detector 220. For example, the optical detection mechanism210 can include an optical detector 220 that faces the bandolier 100 asthe bandolier 100 is advanced. The optical detector 220 cooperates witha light source, such as a laser or LED 225 that also faces the bandolier100 to detect the presence of the optical feature 200. Advantageously,the light source and optical detector are arranged relative to eachother in accordance with Snell's Law of Reflection; however, the lightsource and detector can be arranged otherwise, such as normal to andfacing the optical feature 200. The feature 200 can come in a number ofdifferent shapes and sizes.

[0041] The optical detection mechanism 210 operates essentially in thesame manner as the detection mechanism 170 of FIG. 4. In other words,the bandolier 100 is only advanced if the optical detection mechanism210 reads the optical sensor 200. If the bandolier 100 is advanced aprescribed distance and the optical detection mechanism 210 does notread the optical sensor 200, the advancement of the bandolier 100 isstopped. Accordingly, proper registration between the optical sensors200 and the detection mechanism 210 is needed for the bandolier 100 tobe continuously advanced.

[0042] In yet another embodiment that is illustrated in FIG. 7, thecontrol feature is a mark 230 that is formed within the prescribedinterval 150 between spaced syringes 110 and a detection mechanism 240is used for detecting the mark 230. The mark 230 can be any number oftypes of marks, including a printed mark that is formed on the surfaceof bandolier 100. As with the other embodiments, the detection mechanism240 is used to detect the mark 230 and if a detection is not made withina prescribed time interval or during advancement of the bandolier 100over a prescribed distance, the detection mechanism 240 signals acontroller or the like to stop the advancement of the bandolier 100.

[0043] It will also be appreciated that when the control feature is anaperture formed through the bandolier 100 within the prescribed region150, other types of detection mechanisms can be used rather than thepressure based detection mechanism discussed earlier. For example, thedetection mechanism can be an ultrasonic system having an ultrasonicreceiver and transducer. Ultrasonic waves are created one side of thebandolier 100 and are emitted toward the bandolier 100. When the controlfeature is in proper registration, the ultrasonic waves can pass throughthe aperture unimpeded and are detected on the other side of thebandolier 100. When the detection mechanism is ultrasonically based, thesystem preferably includes an integrator and comparator so thatultrasonic waves that pass through the aperture can be differentiatedfrom ultrasonic waves that reach the detector by means other thanpassing through the aperture (control feature).

[0044] Another type of detection mechanism that can be used with thebandolier 100 is a thermal detection system. For example, the controlfeature 160 is still an aperture formed in the bandolier 100; however,the detection mechanism is a thermal based system that includes athermal source (e.g., heat lamp) and a thermal detector. The thermalsource, such as a heat lamp, is disposed on one side of the bandolier100, while the thermal detector is disposed on the other side of thebandolier 100. The thermal source and the thermal detector arepositioned so that the aperture is in registration therewith at a pointin time as the bandolier 100 is advanced. The thermal detectionmechanism is preferably coupled with an integrator and comparator. Thesetwo components permit the thermal detection mechanism to differentiatebetween heat that is detected across the aperture and heat that isdetected through the bandolier 100 itself but outside of the aperture.Because heat that passes directly through the aperture is of higherintensity than heat that passes through the first and second layers 130,140 of the bandolier 100, the integrator/comparator can differentiatebetween the different thermal energies and only permit advancement ofthe bandolier 100 when thermal energy passing through the aperture isdetected.

[0045] Preferably, an ultrasonically, or heat or optically-baseddetection system includes logic such that the system does not merelydetect ultrasonic waves, optical waves or heat waves but also analyzesthe character, e.g., amplitude, of the waves. The detection system cantherefore be configured to effectively filter out waves that do not meetcertain criteria. The criteria is preferably a threshold that isachieved only when waves pass directly through the aperture (controlfeature) and are detected by the detection mechanism on the other sideof the bandolier 100. Thus, waves that do not pass through the aperturebut are otherwise detected on the other side of bandolier 100 do notregister as a detection since they lack the prescribed criteria.

[0046] The control feature can comprise a segment of web material thatpermits passage of heat or light (of a given frequency, for example)while the remainder of the strip 120 is treated (e.g., coated) to blockheat or light of prescribed frequencies. Thus, it can be appreciatedthat the control feature can take on a variety of forms to ensure properhandling of the bandolier type syringes.

[0047] It will also be appreciated that the detection systems employedfor use with the syringe bandoliers described herein can operate with ahigher degree of sophistication. For example, the detection system, andpreferably the sensors thereof, can be connected a logic device thatpermits the detection system to look for and detect more sophisticatedand complicated sensing patterns. The detection system (with logic) willsearch for distinct patterns associated with the control features. Forexample and with reference to FIG. 4, the sensor 190 can be designed sothat not only does it determine the presence of a force against it butit also records the degree of that force (e.g., a pressure measurement(psi)). A control psi is previously determined and represents a range ofpsi measurements that should be measured by the sensor when the overallsystem is working fine. A comparator is used to compare the present psimeasurement, that is being detected by the sensor, with the control psi.If the detected psi is not within the psi control range, a signal isgenerated and delivered to a controller or the like to stop theadvancement of the bandolier. Such a scenario could occur if the usermodified the equipment by moving the nozzle into close proximity withthe sensor so that a continuous pressure was exerted on the sensor. Inthis case, the detected psi would exceed the control psi.

[0048] It will also be appreciated that the logic can be configured sothat the sensor is searching for a distinct sensing pattern in which nosignal is sensed for a first time period before a signal is sensed andthen no signal is sensed again for the first time period. In otherwords, the sensor does not receive stimulus all the time but rather atselect times and for select periods of time. This is the case in thedetection system illustrated in FIG. 4. If the user modifies thedetection system by placing the nozzle next to the sensor so that alaminar air flow is always present against the sensor, the detectionsystem will stop advancing the bandolier since the sensing pattern doesnot match the sensing pattern that results when the system is operatingproperly.

[0049] In yet another aspect, the detection system can be linked to acommunications network so that the detection system (or parts thereof)can be signaled from remote locations. For example, the sensor of thedetection system can have a communications port that is in communicationwith a remote controller. An individual at a remote site can use theremote controller and signal the sensor to go offline. Conventionalsignal addressing protocol can be used so that the remote controller canbe used to control a number of detection systems that are located indifferent places but all linked to the communications network. Thispermits the detection system to be by-passed when conditions requiresuch action or for other reasons when it may be desirable to disable thedetection system.

[0050] By incorporating a control feature into the syringe bandolier,performance deficiencies that were associated with automated systemsthat use syringes have been eliminated. For example, the use of thecontrol feature provides the user with sufficient advance notificationthat the syringe bandolier is being misfed since the bandolier will notbe advanced when the detection system fails to properly sense thecontrol feature. This, in turn, prevents fluids from being ejected ontothe automated deck in case of a misalignment. Another problem associatedwith conventional syringe based automated systems is that syringes ofthe wrong size or type are inserted into the system. This problem isalso overcome by the present syringe bandolier because the use ofcontrol features ensures that only syringes of the correct type areused.

[0051] It will be appreciated by persons skilled in the art that thepresent invention is not limited to the embodiments described thus farwith reference to the accompanying drawing. Rather the present inventionis limited only by the following claims.

What is claimed:
 1. A bandolier of syringes for an automated syringehandling system, the bandolier comprising: a web; a multiplicity ofsyringes bound to the web at a prescribed interval; a control featuredisposed within the prescribed interval and between the syringes, thecontrol feature being different from the surrounding web.
 2. Thebandolier of claim 1, wherein the control feature is an aperture formedin the web.
 3. The bandolier of claim 1, wherein the control feature isan optical feature formed on a surface of the web.
 4. The bandolier ofclaim 1, wherein the control feature is a mark formed on a surface ofthe web.
 5. The bandolier of claim 1, wherein the web is formed of atleast one plastic sheet.
 6. The bandolier of claim 1, wherein the webcomprises first and second striplayers, the multiplicity of syringesbeing disposed between the first and second strip layers with theprescribed interval being defined by the first and second strip layersdisposed between adjacent syringes.
 7. The bandolier of claim 6, whereinthe first and second strip layers are in intimate contact themultiplicity of syringes and the first and second strip layers aresealed against one another in the prescribed interval.
 8. The bandolierof claim 1, wherein the control feature has a first reflectivecharacteristic and the web surrounding the feature has a differentsecond reflective characteristic.
 9. The bandolier of claim 1, whereinthere is a correlation between a location of the control feature in theprescribed interval and a type of syringe that is bound to the web. 10.A control system for an automated syringe handling system, the controlsystem comprising: an indexer configured to advance a syringe throughthe automated syringe handling system; a bandolier of syringes supplyingsyringes to the indexer, the bandolier including: a web, a multiplicityof syringes bound to the web at a prescribed interval, and a controlfeature disposed within the prescribed interval and between thesyringes, the control feature being different from the surrounding web;and a detection system including a detector positioned to detect thecontrol feature on the bandolier and perform a prescribed operation inresponse to the detection or non-detection of the control feature. 11.The control system of claim 10, wherein the control feature is anaperture formed in the prescribed interval.
 12. The control system ofclaim 10, wherein the control feature is an aperture formed in theprescribed interval and the detector includes a nozzle discharging alaminar flowing fluid and a sensor for detecting the laminar flowingfluid, the nozzle being disposed on one side of the web and the sensorbeing disposed on an opposite side of the web, the nozzle, aperture andsensor all being in registration under select conditions as thebandolier is advanced.
 13. The control system of claim 12, wherein theselect conditions are when the web is in proper alignment and themultiplicity of syringes being used are of a type for use with theautomated syringe handling system.
 14. The control system of claim 12,wherein the fluid is air and the sensor is a pressure sensor fordetecting the discharged air when the feature is in registration withthe nozzle such that the laminar air flow passes through the feature andcontacts the pressure sensor.
 15. The control system of claim 10,wherein the control feature is an aperture formed in the prescribedinterval and the detector includes a thermal device for generating heatand a thermal sensor, the thermal device being disposed on one side ofthe web and the thermal sensor being disposed on an opposite side of theweb, the aperture and detector being in registration under selectconditions as the bandolier is advanced.
 16. The control system of claim15, wherein the select conditions are when the web is in properalignment and the multiplicity of syringes being used are of a type foruse with the automated syringe handling system.
 17. The control systemof claim 10, further including a controller for advancing the bandolier,the controller being in communication with the detection system and thedetection system being configured such that the detector sends a firstsignal to the controller upon sensing the control feature.
 18. Thecontrol system of claim 17, wherein the first signal directs thecontroller to advance the bandolier a prescribed distance.
 19. Thecontrol system of claim 10, wherein the detector is an optical detectorarranged in cooperation with a light source and the control feature isan optical feature, the detector and light source detecting the opticalfeature of the bandolier when the optical feature is in properregistration therewith, the bandolier only being advanced if the opticalfeature is detected by the optical detector as the bandolier is advanceda predetermined distance.
 20. The control system of claim 10, whereinthe detector detects waves selected from the group consisting ofultrasonic waves, optical waves, and thermal energy waves, the detectorfurther including logic that permits the one or more characteristics ofthe waves to be analyzed.
 21. The control system of claim 20, whereinthe one or more characteristics include an amplitude of the waves. 22.The control system of claim 10, wherein the control feature comprises asegment of the web that permits passage of at least one of heat andlight having a first characteristic while the remainder of the web istreated to block at least one of heat and light having the firstcharacteristic.
 23. The control system of claim 10, wherein thedetection system is connected to a communications network to permit thedetection system to be remotely controlled.
 24. The control system ofclaim 23, wherein the communications network is a wirelesscommunications network.
 25. The control system of claim 10, furtherincluding a controller for advancing the bandolier in the automatedsyringe handling system, the controller being in communication with thedetection system, the bandolier being advanced only if the detectionsystem detects the control feature within prescribed criteria.
 26. Thecontrol system of claim 25, wherein the prescribed criteria is one of apredetermined time period and a predetermined distance that thebandolier has been advanced.
 27. The control system of claim 17, whereinthe control feature is an aperture formed in the prescribed interval andthe detector discharges a laminar air flow through a nozzle that is inselective alignment with the aperture, a sensor disposed on a side ofthe web opposite where the nozzle is disposed, the controller respondingto a pressure of the laminar air flow through the aperture or to alogical waveform resulting from the timing of the first signals relativeto periods where the first signals are not received.
 28. The controlsystem of claim 17, wherein the distance between control featurescorresponds to the distance that the bandolier is advanced uponreceiving the first signal.
 29. The control system of claim 17, whereinthe controller advances the bandolier only a predetermined distancewithout detecting one control feature.